Watching this while I wait for my Toteme T lock bag to arrive 😅 couldn’t resist it, but it wasn’t an impulsive purchase at least. I don’t do “no buy” months/seasons because, honestly, I wasn’t able to buy most of stuff I wished to have for almost my entire life (couldn’t afford them). Now that I finally have the means to build my wardrobe/decorate my place and feel comfortable in it, I responsibly allow myself! I think with balance, it’s easy to purchase what we love and want without breaking the bank ❤ great video, as always, Katie!! And happy New Year 🎊🤗
Hahaha Mila if I lived in New York and had your lifestyle I’d be buying and wearing designer bags all day long 😂😭 they don’t suit the vibe of rural England as much 😅 I think it will suit your style really well and I totally get you about not being able to buy things for most of your life. We’re hoping to buy a house this year so need to cut back on spending but I’m sure there’ll be future seasons of my life when I wanna go all out 🤭 thank you for watching 🥰 happy new year! 🤍
I really relate to getting better at knowing when to skip an impulse purchase and knowing when to pull the trigger on an expensive item you will end up loving, it really is a muscle that needs exercising! I have my fair share of items I regret purchasing but also items I regret not purchasing and still think about today after not being able to find it secondhand anywhere. But it means I am slowly getting better at knowing when it’s right to buy and building a wardrobe I love :)
Your video reminds me to take stock of what I have and may need to replace. I appreciate you reminding us that it is totally worth it to take time and consider carefully before buying something. For once, I swore off buying shoes online. There were two pairs of over the knee boots that I purchased and had to return. Even the pair I initially tried in the store turned out to be terribly uncomfortable. Another one was a moon shape bag that became very trendy. It was eye opening just how unsuitable it was for me when I tried some in the store. I have never been someone who lives bags over closing. I never saw a bag make a woman look prettier, that's just the fact. It can speak for a woman's refined taste but truly, it adds nothing to emphasize a woman's silhouette and beauty, let's be honest. And it's much cheaper and more beneficial to figure out how to address one's confidence that throw money on it in the form of an expensive recognizable bag. An item that is still on my list from last year is a shearling coat. I am not entirely convinced I need it. A short one, though warm, will be pointless if my rear and legs are cold. The long ones tend to be bulky and heavy. In the climate I must be very realistic that it has to be warm and practical. So I am still considering getting one. I kinda regret not getting one from Banana Republic a couple of years ago. Surprisingly it was a very well made and lightweight bomber shearling jacket but the store didn't have it in my size. The other item I missed was an evening long sleeved dress from a second hand retailer. I didn't realize those can be sold that quickly and I missed on it. Wish you a year of happy and satisfying shopping!
I wanted a nice faux fur coat. Ordered and returned 2. It no longer gets cold enough here in Texas and I realize that I would look out of place in my suburban lifestyle. I also resisted buying more cashmere sweaters.
I will be doing a low buy this year - with a focus on thirfted and second had items. In regards to the Toteme T Lock bag, I purchased mine during the Matches going out-of business sell for 40% off, and it's my most used and favorite bag that I own.
Thanks for a much needed video! I am currently on a slow declutter of wardrobe and accessories and only buying true needs. I have a wish list I revisit and I am always surprised by some items that made it. Grateful I never bought and only thought! I look forward to the no buy inspiration coming our way. Have a wonderful new year 🎉
Low buy - all year. Haven't really succeeded before BUT I do seem to be getting better each year. Which to me is just really good - if you take the long view
I'm feeling the same way about my jewellery collection- I'm focussing on quality and classic styles from now on. I had my eye on a pair of 14k gold pearl drop earrings for a solid year and didn't buy them - even when they were discounted 65% they were still beyond my budget. Then fast forward a year, I dropped by the shop during Black Friday and the earrings were still there - and everything in the store was 30% off the listed price. So I did wind up getting them at long last - gorgeous, excellent quality and at a price point that I could finally afford. They were the only jewellery piece I got all year and totally worth the wait.
Love how you really mull things over. It's refreshing! I was watching a video of yours and discovered Chylak. The brand resonates with me. It's dark, chic and romantic. I am doing a big wardrobe purge but needed a black bag so I pulled the trigger on a less expensive one from the brand to see what the quality was like. DYING over the shoes, but that's a hard purchase coming from Poland to the US. A no-purchase January is probably a bit smarter than a dry January for me, haha! I may give it a try!
Great video!! Like you, I'm stepping away from ordering or buying anything in January for my wardrobe simply because I want to live with the clothes and accessories that I did purchase for Fall and Winter, and access what I love and what I'm not reaching for... Even though I shopped pretty responsibly, there wasn't much that I denied myself in 2024, hence the slowdown for 2025. I just want to make sure I'm on the right track with my wardrobe and personal style.. Thank you for sharing this type of video, you're right that we can learn so much from what we don't buy!!
Hi Katie, I think you are probably Romantic kibbe body type, you should look into that. You suit feminine rounded silhouettes, ruffles, crocheting, round necklines etc. Probably a warm palette like spring too.
That yellow bag would look SO nice on you! 🧡I bought a similar coloured bag from Valentino last summer. Although I'm not wearing it at the moment, it makes me so excited for spring/summer 2025. You could make a moodboard of clothes that would go nicely with the bag and make a decision later? Take care Katie!
Yeah it's definitely not off my wishlist completely! I'll have to see how I feel come Spring time. It is such a beautiful shade of yellow, very soft and I could see it working with my Spring/Summer wardrobe...
I love my Dou Boots! I have the Dalia in black and suede. Thank you for recommending them! A swing coat is on my wishlist. Santinni has dramatic coats. Love your videos ❤
Oooh youre selling that Christy Dawn print to me way more than their website is, the flowers look much warmer in tone in your video. Would love to hear what you think of that style dress!!
Ahh thank you, I love it! Definitely won't be to everyone's taste I imagine but it certainly is mine. The dress quality is lovely, it's a little thinner than it looked on the website but I don't mind that as I wasn't expecting to be able to wear it in Spring/Summer but I definitely can :)
I bought the chylak bow basket bag in black. It’s my best purchase of 2024 and my favourite bag ever. It made me go out more in the summer and feel stylish ❤
Low buy year but first quarter is no buy. But after the 1st quarter I have a can buy one item each quarter, and if I hit a certain savings goal, I’m going to allow myself a little more leeway during the Black Friday period,
I'm not doing a no or low buy but I did set some specific no buy rules for Jan and Feb. I think mid-feb I'll re-assess and plan for the next two months. Setting realistic goals while not depriving yourself is key to having a successful year of purchases.
I completely agree! I want to take it month by month and re-evaluate my goals often. I think that's much more realistic than a year long strict no-buy or low buy
What brand of navy peacoat did you get? How do you like it and how much are you wearing it? I have been wanting to add one to my wardrobe too. They are so classic. We get a lot of rain here in the Pacific Northwest so long wool coats aren't very practical. I need a trench coat though so what brand do you recommend? Enjoyed the video. Thank you so much. Susan
I have the Toteme bag in the chalk or cream and love the bag! It is extremely well made. I did get it second hand and do not regret the purchase at all.
A couple of items I had on my wishlist that I didn't buy: The Loewe Flamenco bag, I love it but I don't really have Loewe bag budget at the moment. I'm also not sure if I'm a luxury bag person, I love the idea of them but I don't really see them working for me and my lifestyle. The Sofia dress from Realisation Par, I don't know when or where I would wear it (just like every single Realisation Par item I've bought and then sold, I never learn my lesson with this brand)
I'm definitely realising I'm not a luxury bag person, either. I also wanted the Flamenco at one point. Honestly, the few designer bags I have are the ones I wear the least. I wish I'd just stuck to mid-range brands.
One of my best purchases last year was sustainable sunglasses from Otis Eyewear. They are priced between the & Other Stories and Celine sunnies you mentioned, but are more sustainably made. The company is a B Corp that uses materials like eco-acetate and mineral glass, so both more durable and sustainable compared to typical plastic options. Mine have held up great so far! I am glad I didn't make any designer bag purchases this year - I think you're right to go with mid-range options. It seems like the prices tend to be more quality-driven rather than brand-name-driven.
I'm sorry but white coats just remind me of labcoats too much 😅 But maybe that's just because of the field I'm in. Unfortunately they're ruined for me haha. This and how dirty they'd get! Here, some white coat deinfluencing for anyone that wants it 😅
I purchased the toteme t-lock when I was able to snag a discount. I’d been conveting it for at least 2 years. Unfortunately had to return as I found the strap awkward. The shortest setting was too long for shoulder bag and the longest not long enough for crossbody. 😔
ah that's disappointing! Good that you were honest with yourself and returned it though. Too often we 'try to make it work' when in reality it should work for us, not the other way around.
I wanted to buy a sweater today but my husband threatened me that he wouldn’t kiss me again if I bought it. 😔 The thing is, I started a clothes no buy quarter day before yesterday, and if I buy this sweater now, I’ll never succeed. Still don’t appreciate being threatened, though.
I have bought and returned 3 T lock bags. I wanted to love it, but it’s just not for me. On the other hand, I bought 3 Margauxs and ended up keeping one. I kept trying to convince myself NOT to love it, but kept missing it too much until I decided it was worth it 😅
This! I realized this year that I love sundresses and sandals in summer and am a super functional dresser in every other season. 😅 My short down jacket from The North Face has been the best investment of the last years. Along with my waterproof backpack. I never thought I'll turn into these outdoorsy dressed middle-agers, but am fully underway. 😅 The only way to stop buying pretty stuff that doesn't suit my lifestyle is basically going no-contact with this content 😅: unfollowing their social media channels, not clicking on their posts and simply not inviting this information into my life. And suddenly I forget that these items even exist (because they are nowhere in my actual life). At least this is the plan. 😆😅
So many Toteme bags on the second hand market - I just don’t think it’s worth to buy new. I have quite a few things on my wish list but they are all from slow fashion brands so I know they will be available if I change my mind.
Saw the Toteme bag in the thumbnail and had to comment! I purchased the clutch version last year. I purchased it new and I was excited as it was first new luxury purchase and well I sort of regret it. It’s just overall a pretty poor design - logo rubbing off, the really short strap makes it awkward as a crossbody, and the belt loop and the longest setting on the strap don’t even touch. I still think it’s a beautiful bag but I agree with your comment, I wish I’d purchased secondhand.
I didn't buy the Toteme T lock bag. It was on my wishlist but after seeing mod shots by RUclipsrs, seemed it would look too big on me. I purchased the Polene dix bag instead. This year I want to stay away from high-end luxury brands and purchase from new contemporary labels and the high-street!
Everything is going insanely expensive. Plus, everyone wants the same thing that others have that’s why the black market has been expanding so fast as well.
![I.N "HALLUCINATION" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/n5B5q1Hwt_U/mqdefault.jpg)
Watching this while I wait for my Toteme T lock bag to arrive 😅 couldn’t resist it, but it wasn’t an impulsive purchase at least. I don’t do “no buy” months/seasons because, honestly, I wasn’t able to buy most of stuff I wished to have for almost my entire life (couldn’t afford them). Now that I finally have the means to build my wardrobe/decorate my place and feel comfortable in it, I responsibly allow myself! I think with balance, it’s easy to purchase what we love and want without breaking the bank ❤ great video, as always, Katie!! And happy New Year 🎊🤗
Hahaha Mila if I lived in New York and had your lifestyle I’d be buying and wearing designer bags all day long 😂😭 they don’t suit the vibe of rural England as much 😅 I think it will suit your style really well and I totally get you about not being able to buy things for most of your life. We’re hoping to buy a house this year so need to cut back on spending but I’m sure there’ll be future seasons of my life when I wanna go all out 🤭 thank you for watching 🥰 happy new year! 🤍
@@katie_louise yesss to the house 🤗 amazing, Katie!! Manifesting that for you 🙌🏼
I just bought a T Lock too. In Fawn. She’s beautiful!
I really relate to getting better at knowing when to skip an impulse purchase and knowing when to pull the trigger on an expensive item you will end up loving, it really is a muscle that needs exercising! I have my fair share of items I regret purchasing but also items I regret not purchasing and still think about today after not being able to find it secondhand anywhere. But it means I am slowly getting better at knowing when it’s right to buy and building a wardrobe I love :)
100%!
Your video reminds me to take stock of what I have and may need to replace.
I appreciate you reminding us that it is totally worth it to take time and consider carefully before buying something.
For once, I swore off buying shoes online. There were two pairs of over the knee boots that I purchased and had to return. Even the pair I initially tried in the store turned out to be terribly uncomfortable.
Another one was a moon shape bag that became very trendy. It was eye opening just how unsuitable it was for me when I tried some in the store.
I have never been someone who lives bags over closing. I never saw a bag make a woman look prettier, that's just the fact. It can speak for a woman's refined taste but truly, it adds nothing to emphasize a woman's silhouette and beauty, let's be honest.
And it's much cheaper and more beneficial to figure out how to address one's confidence that throw money on it in the form of an expensive recognizable bag.
An item that is still on my list from last year is a shearling coat. I am not entirely convinced I need it. A short one, though warm, will be pointless if my rear and legs are cold. The long ones tend to be bulky and heavy. In the climate I must be very realistic that it has to be warm and practical. So I am still considering getting one. I kinda regret not getting one from Banana Republic a couple of years ago. Surprisingly it was a very well made and lightweight bomber shearling jacket but the store didn't have it in my size.
The other item I missed was an evening long sleeved dress from a second hand retailer. I didn't realize those can be sold that quickly and I missed on it.
Wish you a year of happy and satisfying shopping!
I wanted a nice faux fur coat. Ordered and returned 2. It no longer gets cold enough here in Texas and I realize that I would look out of place in my suburban lifestyle. I also resisted buying more cashmere sweaters.
I will be doing a low buy this year - with a focus on thirfted and second had items. In regards to the Toteme T Lock bag, I purchased mine during the Matches going out-of business sell for 40% off, and it's my most used and favorite bag that I own.
40% off is amazing! I’d definitely have snapped it up at that price as well 🤭
@@tamikajeanmarie 40% Wow! I just got mine 20% off and it felt like such a good deal! 🤭 Wish I knew they go for much cheaper. What color did you get?
Thanks for the video! I am on the same page😂 Too many items bought last months. I committed to do a low buy year.
Thanks for a much needed video! I am currently on a slow declutter of wardrobe and accessories and only buying true needs. I have a wish list I revisit and I am always surprised by some items that made it. Grateful I never bought and only thought! I look forward to the no buy inspiration coming our way. Have a wonderful new year 🎉
Low buy - all year. Haven't really succeeded before BUT I do seem to be getting better each year. Which to me is just really good - if you take the long view
I'm feeling the same way about my jewellery collection- I'm focussing on quality and classic styles from now on. I had my eye on a pair of 14k gold pearl drop earrings for a solid year and didn't buy them - even when they were discounted 65% they were still beyond my budget. Then fast forward a year, I dropped by the shop during Black Friday and the earrings were still there - and everything in the store was 30% off the listed price. So I did wind up getting them at long last - gorgeous, excellent quality and at a price point that I could finally afford. They were the only jewellery piece I got all year and totally worth the wait.
Sounds like an amazing purchase and well worth the wait!
Love how you really mull things over. It's refreshing! I was watching a video of yours and discovered Chylak. The brand resonates with me. It's dark, chic and romantic. I am doing a big wardrobe purge but needed a black bag so I pulled the trigger on a less expensive one from the brand to see what the quality was like. DYING over the shoes, but that's a hard purchase coming from Poland to the US. A no-purchase January is probably a bit smarter than a dry January for me, haha! I may give it a try!
Great video!! Like you, I'm stepping away from ordering or buying anything in January for my wardrobe simply because I want to live with the clothes and accessories that I did purchase for Fall and Winter, and access what I love and what I'm not reaching for... Even though I shopped pretty responsibly, there wasn't much that I denied myself in 2024, hence the slowdown for 2025. I just want to make sure I'm on the right track with my wardrobe and personal style.. Thank you for sharing this type of video, you're right that we can learn so much from what we don't buy!!
Love this for you!
Hi Katie, I think you are probably Romantic kibbe body type, you should look into that. You suit feminine rounded silhouettes, ruffles, crocheting, round necklines etc.
Probably a warm palette like spring too.
T lock has the same problem as Loewe puzzle in where you can’t readily shove your stuff into it, the opening is quite small.
I looove the concept of this series!!! Looking forward to hear your opinions 👀👀👀👀
Yay! Im so glad :)
That yellow bag would look SO nice on you! 🧡I bought a similar coloured bag from Valentino last summer. Although I'm not wearing it at the moment, it makes me so excited for spring/summer 2025. You could make a moodboard of clothes that would go nicely with the bag and make a decision later? Take care Katie!
Yeah it's definitely not off my wishlist completely! I'll have to see how I feel come Spring time. It is such a beautiful shade of yellow, very soft and I could see it working with my Spring/Summer wardrobe...
Thats so nice to hear! 🎉 For me who wants to be better with my money this year this definitely is good to watch❤
Yay! So glad it resonated 🥰
I love my Dou Boots! I have the Dalia in black and suede. Thank you for recommending them! A swing coat is on my wishlist. Santinni has dramatic coats. Love your videos ❤
Oooh youre selling that Christy Dawn print to me way more than their website is, the flowers look much warmer in tone in your video. Would love to hear what you think of that style dress!!
Ahh thank you, I love it! Definitely won't be to everyone's taste I imagine but it certainly is mine. The dress quality is lovely, it's a little thinner than it looked on the website but I don't mind that as I wasn't expecting to be able to wear it in Spring/Summer but I definitely can :)
I bought the chylak bow basket bag in black. It’s my best purchase of 2024 and my favourite bag ever. It made me go out more in the summer and feel stylish ❤
Oh amazing! I might get it in the black or brown 🥰
Low buy year but first quarter is no buy. But after the 1st quarter I have a can buy one item each quarter, and if I hit a certain savings goal, I’m going to allow myself a little more leeway during the Black Friday period,
Amazing! Good luck :)
I'm not doing a no or low buy but I did set some specific no buy rules for Jan and Feb. I think mid-feb I'll re-assess and plan for the next two months. Setting realistic goals while not depriving yourself is key to having a successful year of purchases.
I completely agree! I want to take it month by month and re-evaluate my goals often. I think that's much more realistic than a year long strict no-buy or low buy
I'm doing a no-buy year since September now. Exceptions are necessary things, like new stockings when the once, that I have, get ripped
Just discovered your account and absolutely love your videos ✨
Yay! So glad to have you here :)
What brand of navy peacoat did you get? How do you like it and how much are you wearing it? I have been wanting to add one to my wardrobe too. They are so classic. We get a lot of rain here in the Pacific Northwest so long wool coats aren't very practical. I need a trench coat though so what brand do you recommend? Enjoyed the video. Thank you so much. Susan
It’s Doen! It’s very expensive though, I got mine on massive sale.
Trench wise I do love the Sézane trenches the most tbh!
I have the Toteme bag in the chalk or cream and love the bag! It is extremely well made. I did get it second hand and do not regret the purchase at all.
Love that! I think secondhand it’s a great bag
A couple of items I had on my wishlist that I didn't buy:
The Loewe Flamenco bag, I love it but I don't really have Loewe bag budget at the moment. I'm also not sure if I'm a luxury bag person, I love the idea of them but I don't really see them working for me and my lifestyle.
The Sofia dress from Realisation Par, I don't know when or where I would wear it (just like every single Realisation Par item I've bought and then sold, I never learn my lesson with this brand)
I'm definitely realising I'm not a luxury bag person, either. I also wanted the Flamenco at one point. Honestly, the few designer bags I have are the ones I wear the least. I wish I'd just stuck to mid-range brands.
One of my best purchases last year was sustainable sunglasses from Otis Eyewear. They are priced between the & Other Stories and Celine sunnies you mentioned, but are more sustainably made. The company is a B Corp that uses materials like eco-acetate and mineral glass, so both more durable and sustainable compared to typical plastic options. Mine have held up great so far! I am glad I didn't make any designer bag purchases this year - I think you're right to go with mid-range options. It seems like the prices tend to be more quality-driven rather than brand-name-driven.
They sound great, thanks for the recommendation will definitely check them out ☺️
I'm sorry but white coats just remind me of labcoats too much 😅 But maybe that's just because of the field I'm in. Unfortunately they're ruined for me haha. This and how dirty they'd get! Here, some white coat deinfluencing for anyone that wants it 😅
Hahah so true! I have to admit, I do still love it. But definitely get why it's impractical
I purchased the toteme t-lock when I was able to snag a discount. I’d been conveting it for at least 2 years. Unfortunately had to return as I found the strap awkward. The shortest setting was too long for shoulder bag and the longest not long enough for crossbody. 😔
ah that's disappointing! Good that you were honest with yourself and returned it though. Too often we 'try to make it work' when in reality it should work for us, not the other way around.
Over the knee boots have been on the list for years and they fell off this year. Just not for me anymore! ❤
I love your honest content!
Love that for you! Thank you so much :)
I wanted to buy a sweater today but my husband threatened me that he wouldn’t kiss me again if I bought it. 😔
The thing is, I started a clothes no buy quarter day before yesterday, and if I buy this sweater now, I’ll never succeed.
Still don’t appreciate being threatened, though.
I have bought and returned 3 T lock bags. I wanted to love it, but it’s just not for me. On the other hand, I bought 3 Margauxs and ended up keeping one. I kept trying to convince myself NOT to love it, but kept missing it too much until I decided it was worth it 😅
Haha when you know, you know! Some things are just right. Love that you really deliberated on it though :)
The only exception I make with expensive sunglasses is prescription sunglasses, I don't buy normal sunnies anymore because of my eyes
Yes 100%! Gotta protect your eyes
That swing coat is darling!!
I wish I'd bought it :')
I wanted the le pliage from longchamp. But I don't have a preppy or oldmoneystyle. A few items from sezane are on my wishlist,but I never bought them.
This! I realized this year that I love sundresses and sandals in summer and am a super functional dresser in every other season. 😅 My short down jacket from The North Face has been the best investment of the last years. Along with my waterproof backpack. I never thought I'll turn into these outdoorsy dressed middle-agers, but am fully underway. 😅
The only way to stop buying pretty stuff that doesn't suit my lifestyle is basically going no-contact with this content 😅: unfollowing their social media channels, not clicking on their posts and simply not inviting this information into my life. And suddenly I forget that these items even exist (because they are nowhere in my actual life). At least this is the plan. 😆😅
Love that Cristy Dawn dress on you!
thank you so much!
So many Toteme bags on the second hand market - I just don’t think it’s worth to buy new.
I have quite a few things on my wish list but they are all from slow fashion brands so I know they will be available if I change my mind.
Agreed! Love that :)
Saw the Toteme bag in the thumbnail and had to comment! I purchased the clutch version last year. I purchased it new and I was excited as it was first new luxury purchase and well I sort of regret it. It’s just overall a pretty poor design - logo rubbing off, the really short strap makes it awkward as a crossbody, and the belt loop and the longest setting on the strap don’t even touch. I still think it’s a beautiful bag but I agree with your comment, I wish I’d purchased secondhand.
Ahh gutting 😢 we all inevitably make some purchases like that.
Suede blazer looks amazing on you!
Oh thank you!
Thought I’d try a no buy January until I favourited a few items on Vestiaire 😬.
haha :') at least they are secondhand!
Did you pick a giveaway winner already?
Yes, for the scarf 🤍 bag giveaway will be coming soon!
I wanted the le pliage from lan
Great video.
Glad you liked it 😊
Yes the branding rubs off from the T Lock.
Such a shame! Do you own it?
@ yes I do, been using it sparingly, but the logo started disappearing after 2 months. Maybe I should contact Toteme
@ yeah that’s what I heard from others as well 😢 not sure they’d do anything if it happens to all the bags
I didn't buy the Toteme T lock bag. It was on my wishlist but after seeing mod shots by RUclipsrs, seemed it would look too big on me. I purchased the Polene dix bag instead. This year I want to stay away from high-end luxury brands and purchase from new contemporary labels and the high-street!
I agree, the size always put me off a bit too - it felt just a little too big. I love buying from more contemporary brands!
Everything is going insanely expensive. Plus, everyone wants the same thing that others have that’s why the black market has been expanding so fast as well.
Trueeee
@ ❤️